In August 2025, UK Unitarians and Free Christians gathered at the Nightingale Centre in Great Hucklow for a week-long spiritual gathering, Hucklow Summer School. I wrote the Summer School Diaries to give everyone a sense of what happens there, and to remember a wonderful week! Here’s a summary:

The 30th anniversary of Hucklow Summer School marked a vibrant week of learning, reflection, and community for Unitarians and Free Christians. Held in Great Hucklow, Derbyshire, the event explored the theme “Finding Our Religion: Being Unitarian in the 21st Century”, focusing on deepening spirituality, reclaiming religious identity, and engaging with tradition in meaningful ways.

Day 1 began with arrivals, fish-and-chips tea, and an introductory meeting in the Peach Room. Attendees learned housekeeping rules and the “arm-in-the-air” silence signal, followed by Unitarian bingo and a short walk. The evening closed with an Epilogue service and social time. Covenant rules emphasised confidentiality in Engagement Groups and photo-free spaces, shaping the reflective tone of the week.

Day 2 opened with Sheena Gabriel’s theme talk, addressing freedom versus commitment, sustaining community, and the evolving self. Engagement Groups commenced, including Group A’s creative exercise on constructing a “house of faith” by discarding outdated ideas. Afternoon walks through Derbyshire’s scenic villages offered fellowship and humor, while evening activities ranged from yoga to Epilogue worship.

Day 3 featured Mel Prideaux and Jane Blackall’s talk on personal faith journeys, cultural models of God, and storytelling as spiritual practice. Group A continued its theological exploration, honoring Unitarian “saints” and discussing the interplay of faith and culture. The day ended with outdoor sculpture-making and a lantern-lit Epilogue service led by Louise Reeve, incorporating music like Debussy’s Clair de Lune.

Day 4 brought Rev. Winnie Gordon and Rev. Sarah Tinker’s session on theological literacy and religion as a living tradition. Engagement Groups tackled personal credos and core values, aided by Molly the Havanese terrier’s calming presence. Afternoon walks and a “Heart and Soul” gathering introduced alternative spiritual practices, followed by Sian Murray’s Epilogue service.

Day 5 saw Danny Crosby and Arek Malecki’s humorous yet profound talk, including the tale of Chicken Little and reflections on online spirituality. Engagement Groups explored Unitarian identity through metaphors like “one light, many windows.” Participants enjoyed swimming at Hathersage Pool and evening worship by Emma Roberts-Jones.

Day 6 focused on healing and transformation in Lizzie Kingston-Harrison and Fiona Owen’s talk, drawing on St. Francis and themes of cracks and light. Engagement Groups discussed Unitarianism’s offer to the world, while afternoon “Wayside Wisdom” introduced shamanic walking as a meditative practice. The day concluded with a lively Open Mic night and Mel Prideaux’s Epilogue.

Days 7–8 wrapped up with Sheena Gabriel’s final talk on authenticity and spiritual growth. Groups completed their “houses of faith,” emphasising home over structure. Farewell activities included dancing, reflection sessions, and outdoor meditation. The closing Epilogue service united participants in gratitude before departure.

Throughout the week, Hucklow Summer School blended intellectual rigour, creative expression, and communal joy. From theological debates to countryside walks, music, and meditation, the event reaffirmed Unitarianism’s commitment to unity, diversity, and living tradition – leaving attendees inspired to carry its spirit into everyday life.

(The author used AI to help with this summary.)

I took a lot of photos, and you can see them, plus my full write-ups, in the full Summer School diaries, which are here:

• The Summer School Diaries, Day 1, 15 August 2025
• The Summer School Diaries, Day 2, 16 August 2025
• The Summer School Diaries, Day 3, 17 August 2025
• The Summer School Diaries, Day 4, 18 August 2025
• The Summer School Diaries, Day 5, 19 August 2025
• The Summer School Diaries, Day 6, 20 August 2025
• The Summer School Diaries, Day 7 and 8, 21 and 22 August 2025

To find out more about Summer School, here’s the website: Hucklow Summer School

See you in 2026!